Fast-digesting carbs are even more confusing than slow-digesting carbs. The reason for this has to do with the fact that fast-digesting carbs are tricky. However, just because they are a little trickier to figure out than other types of carbs, does not mean you should be afraid of them, and it is not a good idea to avoid them completely because there are some cases when you they can be beneficial.

So, how would one define fast-digesting carbs? Generally speaking, fast-digesting carbs can be described as simple carbohydrates or “unbuffered” sugar. They work like this: when you ingest sugar without fiber or protein your blood sugar levels spike, which signals your body to release large amounts of insulin.

The list of fast-digesting carbs You do not really need a complete list of fast-digesting carbs, but you do need to know which common foods contain fast-digesting carbs. Sugar (obviously), fruits and vegetables that contain very little fiber, sweets of any kind, dry fruits, milk, fruit spreads and condiments, white bread, most bagels or any baked goods that use white flour, soda, fast food – they all contain fast-digesting carbs.

When is the best time to ingest fast-digesting carbs? It really depends on what you are trying to accomplish, and it also depends on what you are trying to prevent from happening.

For example, if you are trying to lose weight, it is not a good idea to eat foods containing fast-digesting carbs in the evening or late at night. On the other hand, if you are lifting weight in the evening, it is perfectly fine to ingest fast-digesting carbs.

In fact, if you have been exercising for at least 30 minutes (the time of day does not matter), it is recommended that you ingest some protein and fast-digesting carbs immediately after your workout.

Is there such a thing as the best time of the day to eat foods that contain fast-digesting carbs? Yes, at breakfast.

9 Responses to “Fast Digesting Carbs”

I specifically asked for a list of fast carbs. Why wouldn’t you list them? waste of my time. Thanks.

Donna Childs Says:
02-25-10 at 10:46 am

Please could you send me a list of both fast and slow carbs, thank you. I can’t find them anywhere.

Pearl Says:
02-25-10 at 9:15 pm

Really would like a list of fast healthy carbs.

Amy Says:
03-25-10 at 9:30 am

I am looking for a list of fast digesting carbs and slow digesting carbs Can you please send those lists to me? Thanks

Diana of Colorado Says:
04-10-10 at 7:03 pm

I was able to obtain a list of Slow carbs and desperately would like a list of Fast Carbs but no list is provided. Please send me a list of fast cards. I would greatly appreciate it.

TinyTim Says:
04-11-10 at 11:07 pm

I won’t name all the fast carbs because it will take too long. Some fast carbs are: cakes, cookies, ice-cream, cereals (not whole grain), gummy candies, jam and jelly, sorbet, sports drinks, white bread, potato, pasta (not whole grain), and white rice. Fruit is not a fast carb. Fast carbs are best after a workout to quickly refill the glycogen that just got burned in the gym. Make sure that when you eat fast carbs after a workout that it is fat-free and without fiber. The healthiest fast carbs are white rice, potato and pasta.

I too was looking for the slow and fast carb list, but to no avail. If at all possible will you send a list.

Tyler Grandbouche Says:
05-18-10 at 1:00 pm

For all of you looking for fast and slow digesting carbs. Fast carbs are “simple carbohydrates” and slow carbs are “complex carbohydrates.” Just google search those terms and you should be able to find tons of food lists for both topics. Hope this helps!

Brenda Says:
04-28-12 at 2:41 pm

Fast Carbs

Fruits
Fruits, which are considered to contain simple carbohydrates, vary on the glycemic spectrum. Watermelon tops the fruit glycemic index, coming in at about a 72 out of 100, pineapple is at a 66, raisins rate a 64, mango is at 55, and orange juice is at 52. If you want fruits on the lower end of the spectrum, aim for pears (36), peaches (28), and grapefruits (25).

Grains
Instant rice is the fastest carbohydrate in the list of grains, ranking at an 87. Millet ranks at a 71, white bread is at a 70, white boiled rice is at a 56, and brown rice is at a 55. If you want a slower carbohydrate, barley is a 25.
Dairy
Dairy is generally low on the glycemic index, but the dairy substitute rice milk comes in at about an 86. Ice cream is second, at about a 51, yogurt with fruit is at a 41, skim milk is at a 32, and whole milk is at a 27.
Vegetables
Potatoes are high on the glycemic index, ranking at an 85, but new potatoes and sweet potatoes are a bit lower, ranking at a 62 and a 54, respectively. Carrots and green peas, on the other hand, rank at a moderate 49 on the glycemic index.

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